Most kids love snow days but it can be a challenge for working parents to keep the unexpected time together enjoyable and productive. If there’s heavy snow in your forecast, try these techniques for creating a good time for the whole family.

Indoor Fun for Snow Days with Kids

Eat a hearty breakfast. If you’re always rushing around in the morning to get to work and school on time, this is a great time to sit down and enjoy breakfast. Try making some old fashioned oatmeal with raisins. Break out the waffle iron. Squeeze fresh orange juice.

Make some cocoa. Cocoa is another winter delight. Forget about the instant packets with all those chemicals. Use fresh milk or non-dairy milk. Add unsweetened cocoa and vanilla and sweeten to taste.

Eat comfort foods. Comfort foods are designed for cold days. Whip up a healthy bowl of bean and pasta soup. Bake lasagna and freeze half for a fast and delicious meal some other evening.

Do some crafts. Get in touch with your creative side. Set out some craft supplies and join your kids in building their design skills. There are plenty of instructions online for everything from sugar cube igloos to DIY snow globes.

Watch a movie together. Snuggle up on the couch with a good movie. You can munch on popcorn and discuss the movie together afterwards.

Study a new subject. If possible, let your kids take a day off from their usual schoolwork. Introduce them to a new subject. If they’re interested in science, try fossils and constellations. Junior artists may want to know more about Pop Art.

Play a board game. If you’ve got an afternoon free, take out a board game. Let your kids pick their favorite and try to make everyone feel like a winner.

Go through old photos together. Reinforcing family memories is one way to draw closer together. Show your kids pictures of themselves in younger days and remind them how much you always enjoy being with them.

Outdoor Fun for Snow Days with Kids

Dress warmly. If the weather is relatively mild, dress warmly so you can experience the snow. Dress in layers, starting with long underwear. Remember your hat, mittens and boots.

Shovel the sidewalk. Before you start playing around, shovel the sidewalk. It will help everybody avoid slips and falls.

Make snow angels. Snow angels are fun for all ages. You just lie on your back and sweep your arms and legs back and forth.

Build a snowman. Put together a snowman while the snow is still clean and white. Give him a carrot nose and button eyes.

Take a nature walk. Unless the snow is extremely deep, you may be able to take a tour on foot across the neighborhood or at least around your back yard. Watch your children’s surprise at how different everything looks under a layer of snow. Pay attention to animal tracks and snowdrifts.

Help out wildlife. You can help your children develop compassion by showing them how to help animals. Explain that frozen water is difficult for them to drink, so you’re going to put out warm buckets periodically for the birds to use. Let your kids rub a pinecone with peanut butter and roll it under a tree for some lucky squirrel to find.

Snow days can be a great opportunity to enjoy extra family time and the beauty of nature. Get outdoors for some fresh air or enjoy fun and educational indoor activities.